This guide, which is one in the "Exploration" series of curriculum guides intended to assist junior high and middle school industrial educators in helping their students explore diverse industrial situations and technologies used in industry, deals with research and development. The following topics are covered in the individual lessons: product…

In order to prepare children for the responsibilities of citizenship in a technological society, the Science, Technology and Society (STS) approach, which integrates various subject matter disciplines, can be implemented through the use of children's literature. In this way, STS units combine language arts, reading and literature, and teach and…

This report summarizes a meeting which was held to explore some of the major issues raised by the current call for science education reform, and to make recommendations regarding what steps should be taken to ensure that the needed improvements in elementary and secondary science will actually be made in schools across the country. Included are…

The course materials included in this guide are intended to introduce students to the manufacturing industry and its relationships with society, individuals, and the environment. The following topics are covered in the nine learning modules: manufacturing and society and manufacturing systems; manufacturing materials and processes (types of…

The first step in determining how to prepare the future teachers who will teach in the field of technology education in the 21st century is to determine what technology education itself will be like. If one purpose of technology education is to prepare people to adapt to new situations and control their own destinies, then the role of educators in…

A summary is presented of the literature on motivation relating to achievement in the classroom. Special attention is given to how values, ideology, and various cultural patterns may serve to enhance motivation to achieve in the classroom. In considering what determines motivation and personal investment in educational pursuits, the following…

A Teaching/Learning Conference addressed the challenge of facilitating learner adjustment to distance learning. By understanding the concerns of both students and faculty regarding the distance learning environment, professional development specialists may find ways to ease the transition from traditional teaching/learning environments to the…

Many economists and policymakers believe that the growth in inequality in the last 2 decades reflects mostly an imbalance between the demand for and the supply of employee skills driven by technological change, particularly the spread of computers. However, the empirical basis for this belief is not strong. The growth in inequality was…

Teacher shortages, new technologies, and vocational certification demands are directing attention to the need for professional development of vocational education (VE) teachers. VE teachers can use various strategies to enhance their performance and effectiveness through professional development. Worksite experiences give VE teachers opportunities…

Modular middle school technology programs, generically called Exploring Technology Education (ETE) courses, are described and analyzed to determine their strengths and weaknesses and their appropriate role in middle school curricula. Interviews were conducted with teachers, officers of the Exploring Technology Educators Association, vendors and…

This document provides guidelines to school districts, BOCES, and teacher training institutions regarding technology-related skills that Colorado teachers, school library media specialists and other certified staff should have in order to meet the ever changing needs of Colorado's learners. The document is the result of deliberations by a working…

Based on the author's presentation at the International Conference on Computer Based Learning in Science, this paper discuses some high profile areas of interest and concern in the educational use of information and communication technology (ICT). The paper is influenced partly by a series of nine government funded "Best Practices"…

A Microelectronics Education Programme-funded project is developing computer assisted learning modules in the languages, science, and craft/design technology, as well as fostering computer awareness. The project's goal is to produce materials which will pave the way for the rapidly changing curriculum in addition to producing materials for…

Educators who do not learn to use computers and the information highway in the classroom may be depriving themselves and their students of opportunities to access information and develop skills. This article describes how K-12 and higher education teachers should approach and use technology for management, collaboration, and conferencing. Software…

Introduces college level geography students to the International System of Units (SI), a standardized set of units used in science, engineering, and commerce. Identifies the SI base units as meter, kilogram, second, kelvin, ampere, mole, and candela. Includes geographically relevant examples of each. (MJP)